Troubleshooting shell-and-tube heat exchangers

Editor's Note: From the beginning of the publication of Heat Transfer Engin eering, it has been the intent of the Editors to include articles dealing w ith "real-world experiences." Examples of topics might include troubleshoot ing evaluation of special design features, development of operational techn iques, comparison and selection of competing designs, and much more-anythin g that might be interesting and useful to a practicing heat transfer engine er From time to time we have published a few such articles, but we have nev er been able to put together a continuing sequence that the vender could co unt on and look forward to. The Editors have now agreed to put sustained ef fort and attention into this idea, and the following article is the first o f what we hope will be a regular feature of this journal. We are starting w ith several troubleshooting experiences provided by John Calvert, a chemica l engineer with years of experience in the chemical process industries. We hope that this will inspire others to contribute their experiences, or to c ritique or expand upon the ones that are published. There are no hard-and-f ast rules for these contributions; the Editors will personally handle the m anuscripts and deal directly with the authors in putting the material into final form for publication. We expect that the authors will be primarily fr om industry, and we will understand and respect the limitations imposed by company policy, proprietary information, and legal restraint. The Editors w elcome informal inquiries by e-mail fax, or telephone concerning possible c ontributions. For the present, we suggest that you contact Dr Kenneth J. Be ll, School of Chemical Engineering, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater O K 74078; Tel: (405) 744-5280; Fax: (405) 744-6338; e-mail: kjbell@gibbs.che ng.okstate.edu. Here is your opportunity to get that really interesting fie ld experience of yours into print!